Gonzaga University

Gonzaga is moderately selective rather than a reach. It admitted about 79.6% of roughly 8,900 applicants in the most recent cycle, and enrolled first-years posted middle-50% SAT scores of 1230–1383 with an average GPA near 3.70. Strong grades in a college-prep curriculum matter most, since Gonzaga weighs the rigor of your high school record and academic GPA as its two very important factors.

Enrolled first-years at Gonzaga average about a 3.70 high school GPA, and the class leans toward the top of the cohort: among the 39% who reported a class rank, roughly 69% finished in the top quarter of their graduating class. There is no firm cutoff, but academic GPA and the rigor of your coursework are the two factors Gonzaga rates as very important, so a record of mostly A's in challenging classes is the strongest signal.

A 1300 is a solid score for Gonzaga, landing right around the middle of admitted students. The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 1230–1383 on the SAT (29–32 ACT), with a median near 1320. Gonzaga is test-optional, so you can apply without scores; only about 19% of enrolled first-years submitted an SAT, and scores are considered rather than required when you do send them.

Gonzaga offers a nonbinding Early Action plan with a November 15 deadline. Applying early gets you an admission decision well ahead of the regular cycle without committing you to enroll, so you stay free to weigh other offers. It also signals interest, which Gonzaga rates as an important factor, though the university publishes no separate early-round admit rate and applies the same holistic review to early and regular applicants.

No. Gonzaga has no fraternities or sororities, so Greek life is not part of the social scene. Campus life centers on residence halls and student organizations instead, with about 93% of first-year students living in college-owned housing. Activities range from club sports and performing arts to a busy Campus Ministry that reflects the university's Jesuit identity.

Business is the most popular field at Gonzaga by a wide margin, making up about 29% of bachelor's degrees. The social sciences (13%) come next, followed by engineering and computer science (12%) and the natural sciences (10%). Psychology, the health professions, and communication round out the most-conferred areas, reflecting Gonzaga's mix of professional programs and a Jesuit liberal-arts core.

Tuition and required fees run about $59,510 a year, with food and housing adding roughly $17,135 on top. Gonzaga is generous with aid: about 54% of first-years receive need-based scholarship or grant aid, the average need-based package is around $50,082, and the university meets about 86% of demonstrated financial need on average.

Yes, though it sits below grades in the review. Gonzaga considers the application essay as part of a holistic read, alongside test scores, recommendations, and character, while academic GPA and the rigor of your coursework are the two very important factors. Because so much of the decision rests on your transcript, a focused, well-revised essay is a useful way to add context and show fit, especially if you apply test-optional.

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